Three initiatives set up to improve the mental health of people in the Honiton area have been allocated more than £200,000 by the Honiton Hospital and Community League of Friends.

The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on all our lives and those who are already living with mental health problems are facing extra challenges.

Living under the restraints of a lockdown is also especially challenging for people with dementia and their families.

At the group’s January 2021 meeting the trustees were unanimous in agreeing that now is the time to significantly invest in the community’s mental health and wellbeing. Over £200,000 has been set aside to support three local initiatives.

A spokesperson for the league of friends said: “One of the current priority areas for our support is the ‘mental health and wellbeing’ of all ages across the community and we believe that anyone facing a mental health challenge should not be alone.

“We have allocated £100,000 to support Honiton’s specialist dementia nurse which will be added to by a further sizable contribution from the Honiton Admiral Nurse fundraising group.

“Parental Minds are a new group set up in Honiton who aim to foster developing mental healthcare for young people. £4000 has been allocated to support the development of this service including the setting up a network for families living with Eating Disorders.

“The League of Friends has been intrusted with a legacy from a local musician to support and improve people’s health through the provision of Music Therapy.

“We currently fund sessions of a qualified Music Therapist to work in a few of our Honiton care homes, we plan to extend this service out to other care homes in the town when it is safe to do so and to fund further sessions of a Music Therapist within Primary Care.

The spokesperson added: “We sincerely hope that the work arising from these donations will go some way to helping people who are struggling with their mental health through this pandemic and beyond.”

You can support the group in its valuable work by becoming a Friend for a minimum donation of £5 per year. For further details email honitonhospitalfriends@gmail.com or phone 07966135442.